October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year. The month aims at spreading awareness about the fatal disease. When it comes to the prevalence of Breast cancer in India, health ministry says that breast cancer is the top type that Indian females get with a rate as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality of 12.7 per 100,000 women. India still has a low survival rate for breast cancer, with only 66.1% of women diagnosed with the disease between 2010 and 2014 surviving. While there is no definite cause of breast cancer, this type of cancer is developed when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally and then divide more rapidly than healthy cells. They continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Not all tumours are cancerous, but cells spread (metastasise) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body. Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019: Do Bras Cause Breast Cancer? Here’s the Truth. 

What are the Early Signs of Breast Cancer?

The signs of breast cancer may vary. Some may not even exhibit any symptom in the first place. However expert to advise to check for any kind of lumps, bumps or any other changes you see on the breast at home. Here's how to check your breasts for lumps.

Early Signs Of Breast Cancer:

  • Lump or swelling in the breast

  • Any changes on the upper chest or armpit.

  • Any kind of change in skin texture

  • Dimpling of the skin

  • Changes in the size or shape of the breast.

  • Change in the colour of the breast

  • Rash, crusting or changes to the nipple.

  • Leaky breast

How Does Breast Cancer Start?

Breast cancer doesn't begin suddenly, the cells in the breast begin to divide and grow in an abnormal way. The most common type of breast cancer starts in the milk ducts that are present in women's breasts. Lobules produce milk for breastfeeding that is carried by tubes called ducts to the nipple. Sometimes breast cancer even starts in the lobules.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019: Here's The Theme, History and Significance of The Day. 

What are The Three Types of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is divided into various types, however, the most common types are ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. The type of breast cancer is determined by the cells that are affected in the breast.

Can You Die from Stage 1 Breast Cancer?

Very rarely do people die from breast cancer stage 1 because it is highly treatable. It does require immediate treatment though. Usually, stage 1 breast cancer requires surgery or radiation, or a combination of the two. Sometimes people also opt for hormone therapy, depending on the type of cancer cells found and your additional risk factors.

While it is true that entirely preventing breast cancer is almost impossible but experts believe that positive lifestyle choices can help in reducing the risks of cancer for example- maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular medical care.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2019 02:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).